The Problem (the exciting opportunity for learning):
Several children are coloring at the Art Table and a girl reaches over and begins drawing/coloring on a boy's paper. The second child howls, and other children at the table are upset.
Children's Possible Solutions
1. Very upset, the boy and some other children want the girl banished from the table.
Your Role: Help the boy express his feelings and tell the girl why he is so upset. Help all the children understand that in this safe classroom we discourage children from actions that hurt others' feelings.
2. Several children suggest that the boy color on her paper to "show her how
it feels." She replies, "I don't care."
Your Role: Discuss whether hurting another's feelings will solve the problem.
3. One child brings a fresh sheet of paper for the second child to begin a
new picture.
Your Role: Thank the child for this positive action and for being a good friend.
For You to Consider: Realize that in mixed-age groupings, younger
children draw on older children's papers as a form of admiration. They are
trying to link themselves to the older child's success and ability. Help
older children discuss this.
To Extend the Experience
1. Have an art activity that incorporates drawing on someone else's paper. Each child begins with a paper that has his name on it. Children make a scribbled shape on their papers. They lay the papers face down on the table and mix them up. Each child chooses a paper and adds features to what is already drawn to turn it into something different. He adds his name to the paper. Display all of the creations where everyone can admire the collaborative works.
2. Have children make a class-made mural to go along with the theme they are studying.
This problem solving activity helps children develop their social-emotional
skills, motor skills and creative thinking skills.
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